Management Practices Associated with Low, Medium, and High Somatic Cell Counts in Bulk Milk

Abstract

Management practices associated with bulk milk somatic cell counts (SCC) were studied for 201 dairy herds grouped into three categories according to bulk milk SCC. The cumulative production of fat-corrected milk over 305 d of lactation and category for bulk milk SCC were highly correlated; herds within the low category had the highest milk production. Differences in bulk milk SCC among the categories were well explained by the management practices studied. This correlation was not only true for the difference between the high (250,000 to 400,000) and low (< or = 150,000) categories for bulk milk SCC but also for the difference between the medium (150,000 to 250,000) and low categories and the high and medium categories. Management practices that are known to be important for herds in the high category for bulk milk SCC, such as dry cow treatment, milking technique, postmilking teat disinfection, and antibiotic treatment of clinical mastitis, were also found to be important in the explanation of the difference between herds in the medium and low categories for bulk milk SCC. More attention was paid to hygiene for herds in the low category than for herds in the medium or high category. Supplementation of the diet with minerals occurred more frequently for cows in the low category for bulk milk SCC than for cows in the medium and high categories.

A structural equation model to evaluate direct and indirect factors associated with a latent measure of mastitis in Belgian dairy herds

“…This was expected given the numerous previous studies that demonstrated the beneficial impact of post-milking teat disinfection on clinical and subclinical mastitis (Barkema et al, 1998). But, the practice was also associated with MAM through its link with the variable 'treatment for subclinical case'.…”

A multispecies model for the transmission and control of mastitis in dairy cows

“…This analysis has particular significance because postmilking teat disinfection is a commonly used method. Barkema et al [21] observed that approximately 60 % of Dutch dairy farms were practicing postmilking teat disinfection. Evidence already exists that casts doubt on the efficacy of postmilking teat disinfection in the prevention of Escherichia coli (a colifom, major pathogen) [20].…”

Herd level approach to high bulk milk somatic cell count problems in dairy cattle

“…Many studies have shown an impact of mastitis control programs in reduction of the prevalence and incidence of mastitis (Barkema et al 1998b;Neave et al 1969;Hillerton et al 1993;Hillerton et al 1995;Zadoks et al 2002). Success is particularly easy to achieve in the case of S. agalactiae mastitis (Loeffler et al 1995).…”

“…It is, however, practized on only 75% of dairy farms in Canada (Olde Riekerink et al 2006). Implementation of blanket dry cow treatment is less common in herds with a high BMSCC than in herds without a BMSCC problem (Barkema et al 1998b;Olde Riekerink et al 2006). To decrease the risk for new IMI with environmental pathogens during dry period, the longacting antibiotics might be combined with an internal wax sealant to prevent new IMI (Halasa et al 2010).…”

“…Due to the relatively strict milk quality regulations within the EU and Canada, there is widespread adoption of individual cow SCC measurements at regular intervals (Barkema et al 1998b;Olde Riekerink et al 2006). These measurements are carried out on milk samples collected for determination of production, fat, and protein levels as part of DHI programs.…”